Ricoh GR Digital

Ricoh GR Digital

Recently, Ricoh Spain presented their latest autumn arrivals in Barcelona and Madrid, of which, without doubt, the GR Digital was the undisputed star attraction. QUESABESDE.COM took the opportunity to try one of the first models of this interesting camera, and give their first impression of it.

A classic without concessions

If what they wanted to create was a compact camera that emulates the shape and feel of its classic predecessors, the truth is, they have achieved it. The GR Digital shows off a long slender body that is reminiscent, in design, of that of the Ricoh Caplio R2.

In this case, however, they have opted for sobriety, with a mat black finish that reflects a touch of elegance.

Ricoh GR Digital

The finishing touches to this design are a magnesium body, lightweight but solid, and a small dark leather covered grip positioned on the right of the camera.

Ricoh GR Digital

Deepening its classic reminiscence, Ricoh have opted to place an optional viewfinder above the hot-shoe. A nice detail that, while lacking an integrated viewfinder in the body of the camera, is indispensable for those who can do without a TFT screen.

Ricoh GR Digital

The integrated flash also benefits from discretion. Positioned on top, next to the hot-shoe, it remains hidden until the user wishes to open it. As well as its reduced dimensions, we mustn't forget that its fixed angular lens means that the only task of the flash is to offer good coverage in the 28 mm range.

Excellent ergonomics

Aimed at buyers that are looking for something different, and can afford it, Ricoh put a lot of effort into the layout of the camera controls, combining traditional options with the obligatory presence of new technology.

Ricoh GR Digital

The main dial of the camera is positioned directly on top. After pressing a small button to unlock the dial, various modes can be selected: automatic, scenic, programmed, and of course manual. Whatsmore there is an aperture priority mode.

The first control dial of the GR Digital can be found on top of the main body. In this image the camera is seen fitted with the external viewfinder and the 21 millimeter lens converter.

The camera can also record video sequences, although this function will not be the most important for its potential buyers.

The main photographic management falls to two dials, positioned just above the grip to the rear of the camera. Different perimeters can be selected with a simple push of the dial. A classical solution if somewhat lacking in invention, whose ease of use has been proven for many years.

Ricoh GR Digital

A 2.5" TFT screen can be found on the reverse of the camera, positioned to one side, while the other half is reserved for the controls. On the base of the camera there is a compartment for the battery as well as the memory card. The camera also has a built-in 26 MB memory.

From 28 to 21 mm

Even more important than its careful design and the subject of resolution, is the lens, which is the main talking point of the new Ricoh compact. It is, specifically, a GR lens with a fixed focus of 28 mm and an interesting luminosity of f2.4.

Ricoh GR Digital

The GR Digital comes with an external viewfinder and a 21 mm lens converter.

With the construction of 6 elements distributed into 5 groups, the lens relies on a pair of aspherical lenses and one of low dispersion. Which guarantee, say Ricoh, exceptional contrast and resolution from the center of the image to the border, keeping distortions and aberrations to a minimum.

Ricoh GR Digital

Such an abundance of technical characteristics takes into account a lens that, when extended, reaches considerable dimensions in relation to the size of its housing, even more so, if the 21 mm converter is opted for.

Ricoh GR Digital

To do this, a cylinder that covers the original lens thread has to be fitted. The angular lens is then fitted on top.

Ricoh also offers two optional lens caps that compliment the GR Digital.

Up to 1600 ISO

As we have seen, the use of the camera, despite the classical hint, doesn't hold too many mysteries. The economy of the controls has resulted in diverse functions integrated into just one dial.

The rear dial is very interesting as it allows direct access to exposure control by changing the sensibility level and the white balance. Once there, the dial can be used to select the desired effect.

Ricoh GR Digital

Despite the reduced size of the sensor (1/1,8") and its heightened resolution of 8 megapixels, Ricoh have dared to gamble on a maximum sensitivity of 1600 ISO and a minimum of 64 ISO.

Based on the information provided by the company, the new image processor designed specifically for this new model will be able to eliminate image noise. This is promised to be confirmed for the final production model.

Ricoh GR Digital

The CCD offers files up to a maximum size of 3264 x 2448 pixels. The camera can save images in JPEG format with two levels of quality, or RAW format for those who prefer to exploit the performance of the sensor.

Even though Ricoh assure us that the heightened resolution will only respond to the technical criteria relating to the quality of the lens used, there will be those who interpret these 8 million points as an act of submission to the current market trend.

It appears that the one thing going for the GR Digital, a camera that, although it will not go down in history as one of the most popular models, is that it will set an interesting precedent by placing the lens as the main priority ahead of the rest of the camera.